Sara Niemietz

Photos with Sara Niemietz

Biography

Sara made her Broadway debut as young Carol Burnett in Hollywood Arms, at 10, written by Ms. Burnett and her daughter, Carrie Hamilton. It's legendary director, Hal Prince, remarked that Sara "possesses an extraordinary voice and acting honesty, and a personality that leaps across the stage." A short time later, Sara originated the title role of Pamela in Pamela's First Musical, based on the book by Wendy Wasserstein, with music by Cy Coleman and David Zippel. Ms. Wasserstein praised Sara as "an astonishing performer. Read more..."first CD, produced by Charles Faris, Live At The Cat Club, which chronicled her 12-song set at the noted venue. She sang the National Anthem for both the LA Dodgers and San Diego Padres, and appeared on the "Sugar Beats" CD as a lead singer. She was the singing voice of Polly Pocket, and also recorded the end credit song in the animated Barbie DVD, Barbie as the Princess and The Pauper.

In addition to musical appearances, featured appearances include Providence (NBC), First Monday (CBS), and Gilmore Girls (The WB) and Polly in the hit feature film, Akeelah and the Bee, with Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett.

In 2005, noted film composer Christopher Young hired her as the lead voice in his score for, The Exorcism Of Emily Rose. After completing the music, Young remarked, "Without Sara's voice, there would be no score - I have never in my life seen someone at her age so thoroughly professional." She continued her work with Young in 2008 for the film The Uninvited, in which her vocals were featured.

While continuing acting and maintaining an "A" average at school, Sara also managed to record an independent CD, "Without A Net". Sara teamed with well-known record producer John Boylan.

Sara is also featured in the cast recording of the upcoming musical based on the film, Teen Witch, called Teen Witch, The Musical, and recorded a song for the movie soundtrack, Moondance Alexander.

In 2007, Sara became a part of the Los Angeles theatre community. After appearing in the workshop production, she landed the coveted role of Patrice, in Jason Robert Brown's new musical, 13. It featured an all-teen cast, and enjoyed a two-month run at the Mark Taper Forum in downtown Los Angeles. According to director Todd Graff, Sara was perfect for the part: "She had the vulnerability and the sweetness and the intelligence that the character needed.". Sara's reviews were phenomenal: Daily Variety praised her as a "standout" that has "genuine warmth." Curtain Up magazine crowed "Niemietz shines during her solo, and takes impressive command of the stage with only a notebook sharing the spotlight."

In 2010, Sara graduated 7th in her high school class and began working with Emmy award-winning composer and musician, Snuffy Walden. The two write extensively and enjoy a successful collaboration. That year, Sara joined the TV show Glee as the on-stage guitarist.

Sara appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, in May of 2011, after Ellen came across a video of her singing and requested she perform.

In 2012, Sara released "Push Play", an EP of original music, and "Christmas Favorites", a collection of Christmas songs. A few months later, BJ Thomas invited Sara to Nashville to record on his new album, "The Living Room Sessions" (released in Spring of 2013). Her writing and singing also appear in the end titles of several new films (Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy, In the Key of Eli, and Stetson: Street Dog of Park City).

In 2013, Sara was thrilled to return to the Mark Taper Forum to play the role of Wanda in Enter Laughing, a one-night production, fundraiser, and tribute to Carl Reiner. That year, she was also invited to sing with BJ Thomas at the Grand Ole Opry. Her songs were heard on Delta Airline's in-flight Singer-Songwriter channel for the duration of the summer. Sara's rendition of "Turn! Turn! Turn!" was heard in the 2014 season of Under the Dome.

Sara was honored to reprise the role of Wanda in Enter Laughing at the new Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in the Spring of 2015. Melissa Manchester and Sara recently co-wrote "Feeling for You," the first single from Melissa's new album, "You Gotta Love the Life."

Sara enjoys playing guitar, bass, and piano, and is often engaged in both singing and writing sessions. She can be frequently found in her natural habitat: live shows in Southern California.